The initial stage of the history of firearms in Russia: The state of the problem in Russian historiography

This article addresses the issue of the emergence of firearms in Rus' and the initial stage of their manufacture. The chronological framework of the research is defined, on the one hand, by the first mentions of the appearance of such weapons in the Russian lands (the last quarter of the 14th century), and on the other hand, by the beginning of government-organized and source-confirmed production of artillery pieces at a specialized manufactory-type enterprise - the Cannon Yard (Pushechnaya izba) - in Moscow under Grand Prince Ivan III (the last quarter of the 15th century). The aim of the research is to compare the existing conceptions in Russian historiography regarding the timing and routes of the penetration of firearms into the Russian lands, as well as the possibilities and specifics of their local production during this period. The work draws upon the studies of Russian scholars from the pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods, and employs traditional general philosophical, general scientific, and specifically historical research methods. The article demonstrates that historiography has long featured debates concerning the dating of the first instance of firearms appearing in the Russian lands, with the years 1382 or 1389 most frequently cited, as well as regarding the Russians' initial acquaintance with artillery. Researchers interpret the routes and methods of the penetration of firearms into Rus' quite broadly - from Western Europe, from the territories of the Horde, or from the Northern Black Sea region. The only common ground in this matter is the recognition by the majority of authors of the fact that this means of armed combat was borrowed externally. Regarding the beginning of firearms production, the following approaches can be identified in historiography: linking the start of production to chronicle mentions of the use of artillery pieces by Russian troops; both the denial of the existence of local production until the last quarter of the 15th century and assertions of its existence alongside imported supplies; substantiating the possibilities of manufacturing artillery pieces both by forging from iron and by casting from copper and its alloys; attempts to locate the sites of firearms production both in the major political centers of Rus' and near raw material deposits; and identifying a number of technical and technological features of cannon production at the initial stage, which influenced its tactical characteristics and the possibilities of transmitting production experience. As a result of the conducted research, it is concluded that current knowledge on the problem under investigation does not allow for a definitive answer to any of the posed questions. This circumstance highlights the relevance of the problem and motivates its further study using all existing methods of historical and technical inquiry. The author declares no conflicts of interest.

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